The House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would protect the rights of crime victims in the state’s constitution, despite objections from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and at least four committee members.

The amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, has been enacted in at least six other states. The Pennsylvania version, authored by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) would ensure victims have the right to be notified about court proceedings, be present at hearings and speak at plea and sentencing proceedings, among other rights.

While the president may have received mixed reviews for his claim that “attorney client privilege is now a thing of the past,” civil rights advocates are backing up Pennsylvania inmates on the same concern with legal action.

Two lawsuits were filed against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections this week by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, a Philadelphia law firm, and three criminal justice reform groups. The lawsuits are in response to a new policy that resulted from the 12 day long September prison lockdown.

Pennsylvania handed out $8.4 million in school safety grants Thursday.

The money, separate from the $60 million allocated during the year’s budget, will aid 269 different school or law enforcement entities with reducing violence in and around schools, whether with school resource officers, training, metal detectors or ID systems.

“Parents and students deserve to have confidence that our classrooms are safe places for children and teachers,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement.